and we're back... If I were in your situation, the first thing I would do is join the ex-girlfriend into the action. I'd file a cross claim against the ex girlfriend who would be a third party defendant. The defense would be "I dont owe it, but if I do, I only owe half and so does she." Also be sure to have her "served" with the paperwork. I'd then counterclaim for my security deposit back and ask for double damages because if they landlord doesnt give it back within "x" amount of days (I think it is 30) he owes double the security deposit. Let's see, what else, you'll need your friend as a witness to state that he was willing to live there and pay half the rent. Of course this is moot if there is outstanding rent owed for April, and possibly May since you didnt leave before May 1. You could have a problem with not having the money by the 1st of april if there isnt a clause in your lease about when rent is due and if there is a grace period, etc, etc. This is where you might want to bring up the crazy lady, but the crazy lady isnt that great of a defense in this action so dont dwell on it too much or put too much faith in it working. You need to focus on the landlords duty to mitigate his damages (and your damages). The duty to mitigate basically says that if you have to break a lease that the landlord has to work to find a replacement and he cant be overly picky, this becomes even better for you that you would still be living there and responsible for the rent and not leaving the landlord high and dry with this other guy all by himself. Again, not your lawyer, not legal advice, Im just sayin' is all.